Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Dallas Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Dallas, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Position Information This Postdoctoral Research Associate, Pasture Mealybug Biological Control and Molecular Ecology, will focus on identifying key natural enemies of pasture mealybug through a statewide molecular gut-content analysis survey; conduct field sampling across Texas and perform molecular analyses. Responsibilities: Conducting molecular gut-content analyses to identify important mealybug predators Designing and implementing statewide field surveys Conducting insecticide compatibility studies with major mealybug natural enemies Developing IPM recommendations for pasture mealybug management. Analyzing data and preparing manuscripts, reports, and presentations. Participating in extension and outreach activities and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams. Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, Performs other duties as assigned Required Qualifications: Appropriate doctoral degree. Demonstrated experience in biological control and integrated pest management. Experience with molecular techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, primer design, PCR, and molecular diagnostics. Knowledge of entomopathogenic fungi and microbial insecticides and different delivery mechanisms. Knowledge of molecular trophic interaction analysis. Knowledge of genomics, bioinformatics, or next-generation sequencing approaches. Knowledge of grant writing and proposal development. Knowledge of controlled-environment agriculture systems. Ability to communicate effectively Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. What You Need to Know Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to  work  for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums  12-15 days of annual paid holidays   Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas   Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife Applicant Instructions Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.